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Computers Quote by Joseph Conrad

“There is a – let us say – a machine. It evolved itself (I am severely scientific) out of a chaos of scraps of iron and behold! – it knits. I am horrified at the horrible work and stand appalled. I feel it ought to embroider – but it goes on knitting. You come and say: “this is all right; it’s only…” quote by Joseph Conrad
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““There is a – let us say – a machine. It evolved itself (I am severely scientific) out of a chaos of scraps of iron and behold! – it knits. I am horrified at the horrible work and stand appalled. I feel it ought to embroider – but it goes on knitting. You come and say: “this is all right; it’s only a question of the right kind of oil. Let us use this – for instance – celestial oil and the machine shall embroider a most beautiful design in purple and gold”. Will it? Alas no. You cannot by any special lubrication make embroidery with a knitting machine. And the most withering thought is that the infamous thing has made itself; made itself without thought, without conscience, without foresight, without eyes, without heart. It is a tragic accident – and it has happened. You can’t interfere with it. The last drop of bitterness is in the suspicion that you can’t even smash it. In virtue of that truth one and immortal which lurks in the force that made it spring into existence it is what it is – and it is indestructible! It knits us in and it knits us out. It has knitted time space, pain, death, corruption, despair and all the illusions – and nothing matters. I’ll admit however that to look at the remorseless process is sometimes amusing.””

Joseph Conrad

About This Quote

The metaphorical machine, created without consciousness, illustrates humanity’s futile attempts to control an indifferent, self‑perpetuating process.

In simple terms: A mindless system cannot be mastered by simple fixes.

Key Takeaway

Accept limits of control and focus on meaningful action.

Themes

technology futility existentialism control

Mood

reflective melancholic

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • industrial innovation
  • AI development
  • environmental management
  • personal habits
  • creative projects

Key Concepts

mechanical determinism human agency absurdity

Questions to Reflect On

  • What aspects of life feel beyond your control?
  • How can you find purpose within inevitable processes?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on control may cause despair or paralysis.

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